Prescott Camping Guide
If you like to camping, Prescott, Arizona is calling your name! With an abundance of camping options, you can fall asleep under a blanket of stars and wake to breathtaking sunrises almost year-round. While Prescott does get the occasional snowfall, the climate is refreshingly moderate, offering four mild seasons perfect for outdoor recreation.
Essential Prescott Camping Tips
1. Check Fire Restrictions. Arizona’s dry climate means wildfire danger is real. Always check current Prescott National Forest fire restrictions before your trip. If fires are allowed, make sure they are cold to the touch before leaving—no glowing embers, no smoke.
2. Practice Leave No Trace. Prescott’s camping areas, especially the Prescott Basin, are heavily visited, and careless use leads to erosion, damaged vegetation, displaced wildlife, and trash buildup.
- Always pack out your garbage.
- Use designated fire rings (when and where permitted).
- Avoid camping too close to lakes, streams, or trails.
3. Respect the Wildland-Urban Interface. Much of Prescott camping happens near communities. Be considerate. Keep noise down, control pets, and respect property boundaries.
Prescott National Forest & Prescott Basin Camping
The Prescott National Forest offers both developed campgrounds with amenities and dispersed camping areas for those who want a more remote experience.
If you prefer amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, and potable water, these campgrounds are your best bet. Most are managed by Prescott National Forest and open seasonally, though some remain accessible year-round.
1. White Spar Campground
- Location: 4 miles south of downtown Prescott along Hwy 89.
- Open: Year-round (limited services in winter).
- Sites: 60+ sites for tents and RVs (no hookups).
- Amenities: Vault toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings.
- Activities: Hiking nearby trails, cycling, quick access to downtown Prescott.
- Reservations: Recreation.gov
2. Lynx Lake Campground
- Location: 6 miles east of Prescott off Walker Road.
- Open: April–October.
- Sites: 35+ sites for tents and RVs (no hookups).
- Amenities: Vault toilets, potable water, picnic tables, grills.
- Activities: Fishing, kayaking, hiking, birdwatching.
- Reservations: Recreation.gov
3. Hilltop Campground (Lynx Lake Area)
- Location: Near Lynx Lake Recreation Area.
- Open: April–October.
- Sites: 35+ tent and small RV sites.
- Amenities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings.
- Activities: Access to Lynx Lake hiking trails.
- Reservations: Recreation.gov
4. Granite Basin Campground
- Location: West of Prescott, near Granite Mountain Wilderness.
- Open: Year-round.
- Sites: 20+ sites (tents and small RVs).
- Amenities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings.
- Activities: Hiking, rock climbing, horseback riding.
- Reservations: First-come, first-served.
5. Yavapai Campground (Goldwater Lake Area)
- Location: Southeast of Prescott, near Goldwater Lake.
- Open: Seasonal.
- Sites: Tent camping only.
- Activities: Fishing, hiking, picnicking.
- Reservations: First-come, first-served.
These developed campgrounds often require reservations, especially during peak season, so plan ahead.
For a more rugged, off-the-grid experience, dispersed camping in Prescott National Forest allows you to set up camp outside of designated campgrounds. This is first-come, first-served and typically free, but requires full self-sufficiency.
Popular Areas
- Copper Basin Road – Close to town, but still remote.
- Thumb Butte Area – Forest roads with pull-offs for tents and vans.
- Mingus Mountain – Cooler temps in summer, panoramic views.
Rules for Dispersed Camping
- Camp at least 200 feet from water and ¼ mile from developed campgrounds.
- No amenities — bring your own water, toilet solution, and trash bags.
- Limit stays to 14 days within a 30-day period.
Zane Grey RV Park (55+ park)
Family-Friendly | Pet-Friendly | Laundry | General Store | Propane Refilling Station | Community Restrooms | WiFi
Kayak Tour on the Verde River
Immerse yourself in Arizona’s beautiful scenery—and enjoy a new way to explore—on this family-friendly kayaking tour along the Verde River. Pick between several departure times, grab your safety gear, and set off in a shuttle to the river with just a small group for company. This beginn … More
Immerse yourself in Arizona’s beautiful scenery—and enjoy a new way to explore—on this family-friendly kayaking tour along the Verde River. Pick between several departure times, grab your safety gear, and set off in a shuttle to the river with just a small group for company. This beginner-friendly tour includes a relaxing paddle down a 3.1-mile (5-kilometer) stretch of this river, and the chance to take on gentle mini rapids.
Water Activities | Family-Friendly
2 Hours Water to Wine Kayak Trip from Cottonwood
The perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this tour combines a kayaking excursion with wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Paddle down the Verde River in a kayak and stop at a vineyard for a sommelier-led tasting. Feel safe with a guide who can offer paddling and safety t … More
The perfect mix of outdoor adventure and relaxation, this tour combines a kayaking excursion with wine tasting in Arizona’s Verde Valley. Paddle down the Verde River in a kayak and stop at a vineyard for a sommelier-led tasting. Feel safe with a guide who can offer paddling and safety tips, as well as sharing information on the river’s flora and fauna.
Water Activities
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